Established
2018
Franchise Units
1
Minimum Investment
$211,500
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$341,200
Home Based
No
Description
In a crowded market of frozen desserts, Wicked Lick stands out as a disruptive force, redefining the "ice cream experience" through science, craft, and a bold personality. This isn’t your average scoop shop; it is a Hybrid Liquid Nitrogen Craft Ice Cream concept that marries the theatricality of molecular gastronomy with the wholesome quality of small-batch artisan production.
Founded on the principle that if you aren't doing something different, you're just blending in, Wicked Lick uses liquid nitrogen at -321°F to flash-freeze fresh cream and natural ingredients instantly. This rapid freezing process prevents the formation of large ice crystals, resulting in a texture so smooth and creamy that the brand refers to it as "Ice Cream Enlightenment." By eliminating the need for stabilizers, emulsifiers, or artificial preservatives, Wicked Lick offers a "clean label" product that health-conscious modern consumers crave without sacrificing the indulgent, "wicked" flavor profiles that keep them coming back.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Proprietary Hybrid Model: Unlike standard nitrogen shops that can be slow, Wicked Lick’s unique hybrid system and small-batch (half-gallon) technique use significantly less nitrogen and reduce service time, leading to higher throughput and better margins.
Clean & Honest Ingredients: The menu is built on all-natural cream, pure cane sugar, and fresh mix-ins. There are no "fillers" or months of freezer storage, offering a clear competitive advantage over traditional franchises.
High-Margin Revenue Streams: Beyond the world-class ice cream, the brand has mastered branded merchandise. From hats and stickers to their famous "If You Don’t Lick It… Someone Else Will" t-shirts, merchandise contributes a significant boost to the bottom line.
Low Operational Overhead: The streamlined production process requires less back-of-house storage and fewer specialized machines compared to traditional manufacturing, simplifying the day-to-day management for owners.
Modern Brand Identity: The "wicked" branding is designed to create a buzz. It’s memorable, bold, and perfectly suited for the social media age.
Background
Established Year: 2018
Franchising Since: 2022
Founders: John Smotryski and Amanda Velazquez
Company Journey: The brand began in the heart of Key West, Florida, on the iconic Duval Street. Founder John Smotryski, a veteran of the Florida construction industry, invested his retirement to create a legacy brand built on quality and theatre.
Market Presence: While the flagship thrives in Key West, the brand is currently expanding across the Southeastern United States, specifically targeting Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Industry Category: Food & Beverage / Specialty Frozen Desserts.
Franchise Active Units: 1
Support Training
Wicked Lick provides a comprehensive ecosystem designed to ensure every franchisee can replicate the brand's success in their own community:
Real Estate & Construction: Leveraging extensive construction expertise, the corporate team assists with site selection, lease negotiations, and connecting you with approved contractors to ensure your build-out is efficient and brand-compliant.
Initial Training (80+ Hours): A dual-phase program consisting of 40+ hours of classroom instruction and 40+ hours of on-the-job training. You will master liquid nitrogen handling, batch mixing, and the "Art of the Lick."
Marketing & PR Support: You gain access to professional marketing strategies, social media templates, SEO guidance, and local PR campaigns to ensure your grand opening creates a "buzz" from day one.
Operational Tools: Ongoing support includes field operations visits, annual meetings, and a dedicated portal for inventory management and brand updates.
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for "Achievers"—people who don't just want to own a business, but want to dominate their local market.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit: You should have a background in business management or ownership.
Character & Work Ethic: A positive outlook and a "team player" mentality are non-negotiable.
Hands-on Commitment: This is not currently an absentee-owner model; it requires a dedicated leader who is passionate about customer service and brand consistency.
Community Connector: An individual who enjoys being the "face" of a fun, local brand.
Financial Detail
| Investment Category | Estimated Cost (Low) | Estimated Cost (High) |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 | $40,000 |
| Travel & Living for Training | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Real Estate/Lease (Security Deposit) | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $100,000 | $180,000 |
| Equipment Suite (Nitrogen Tanks, Mixers, etc.) | $40,000 | $65,000 |
| Signage & Graphics | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $5,000 | $8,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months Working Capital) | $10,000 | $10,200 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $211,500 | $341,200 |